A Neath man who left prison with £40 in his pocket and resorted to shoplifting to get cash has had more than £1,800 in court debts wiped out by magistrates who told him he “wouldn’t get another chance like this”.

Paul John Sperry stole toiletries and cosmetics from Boots in Neath town centre just a fortnight after getting out of jail for previous theft matters.

He was caught on CCTV hiding the items, worth some £42.75, in his clothes before walking out of the store – but a security guard recognised him and stopped him.

Julie Sullivan, prosecuting, said when police officers arrived Sperry “became emotional and started to cry”.

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In his subsequent police interview the defendant said he took the goods to sell to make money.

Sperry, of Melyn Close, Melyn, pleaded guilty to the May 4 theft when he appeared at Swansea Magistrates Court.

The court heard the 35-year-old had £1,862.12 in outstanding fines and costs owing to the courts from previous offences.

Steve Harrett, for Sperry, said his client had left custody with a £40 prison grant but no help and no means of supporting himself – his lack of computer literacy meant he was unable to complete the form to claim universal benefit.